The WNBA players union has voted to withdraw from the collective bargaining agreement with the league. The current CBA expires on October 31, 2025, giving both sides about a year to negotiate a new agreement.

“This is a pivotal moment, not just for the WNBA, but for all of us who believe in progress,” WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike said in a statement. “The world has evolved since 2020 and we cannot afford to stand still. If we stick to the current agreement, we will fall behind. This is a new era, and we are ready to lead a transformative change – a change that goes beyond women's sports and sets a precedent for something bigger. Exit isn’t just about bigger paychecks – it’s about demanding our rightful share of the business we built.”

The WNBA saw explosive growth this season, fueled by a rookie class led by Indiana's Caitlin Clark and the Sky's Angel Reese.

Last week, Reese called attention to the WNBA's paltry salaries in an Instagram Live video when she shared that her income from the league doesn't pay her bills.

Last month, the league announced that 2024 was its most-watched regular season in 24 years, ending with the highest viewership in 22 years and setting records for digital consumption and merchandise sales. The WNBA previously signed a historic 11-year media rights deal worth $200 million per year.

According to WNBPA figures, ESPN's regular season viewership increased 70% and CBS' ratings increased 86%.

“This is not a sudden wake-up call – it is the culmination of what we have strived for over the past few seasons,” said union Vice President Kelsey Plum.

In its statement, the WNBPA listed several priorities for a new CBA:

• New Economic Model: Transform the current system by introducing an equity-based model that grows and evolves in line with the league's business performance.

• Player salaries: Establish a clear distinction between salary and bonuses to ensure players receive wages that fairly reflect their value and contributions.

• Minimum Professional Standards: Implementing consistent minimum standards consistent with those of other leading professional sports leagues, maintaining professional and safe environments throughout the league, including practice and game facilities and travel accommodations.

• Retirement Benefits: Expanding retirement benefits to provide players with greater financial security and health benefits in their post-basketball lives.

• Pregnancy and Family Planning Benefits: Fair and accessible family planning support for all players, including retirement benefits that provide long-term security for their families.

The Liberty have reached the WNBA finals five times and lost each time, including last season. This time they weren't deterred, even if it took another five minutes.

The chances that the Sky will land Stephanie White – arguably the WNBA's best coach alongside the Lynx's Cheryl Reeve – are almost zero. Your next best option would be to target the best assistants in the league.

From Annie Costabile

In this week's Polling Place, we wanted to know how confident you are that Jerry Reinsdorf would sell the Sox. We also asked which Chicago team most needs a new owner.

From Steve Greenberg